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AUTOWEEK TV: A closer look at the Lamborghini Aventador

September 22, 2011

Also in this episode: Honda shows off the CR-V concept, former Formula One driver Jean Alesi is ready to suit up for the Indianapolis 500, and Ford offers Focus buyers in Europe a defense against door damage. Happy early birthday, Ryan Briscoe.

TRANSCRIPT

The finish line to another work week is in sight, so let's bring it on home with a Friday edition of Autoweek TV.

Stick around--West Coast editor Mark Vaughn will give us a closer look at the Lamborghini Aventador in just a couple of minutes.

But first, here's what's going on in the auto world:

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Honda has given us a good look at the CR-V concept, which previews the redesign for the crossover.

Honda plans to unveil the redesigned 2012 CR-V at the Los Angeles auto show in November and says the car will go on sale by the end of this year.

The new CR-V will weigh less than the current model and get a more fuel-efficient engine. The interior was redesigned to create more space for passengers and cargo.

Given Honda's history of concept cars, virtually all of what you see here is what Honda dealers will get.

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Former Formula One driver Jean Alesi is climbing back into the cockpit--for the 2012 Indianapolis 500, driving for Lotus.

Alesi, who has no competitive oval-track experience, said: "I'm thrilled that Lotus has given me the opportunity to compete in such a world-famous race."

Alesi, who is 47, competed in Formula One from 1987 to 2001. He drove in the first two U.S. Grands Prix at the Speedway.

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OK, nothing ruins car joy like a door ding. Now, Ford is offering Focus buyers in Europe a way to take the sting out of the parking lot--a retractable door-edge protector.

The spring-loaded protector is mounted on the back of each door. When a door is opened, the rubber protector flips into position and covers the door edge.

When the door is closed, a cable retracts the cover.

Ford officials in the United States say they have no plans right now to offer the door protector here. But they will watch to see how popular it is in Europe and might change their minds later.

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Let's head into the weekend with a closer look at a dream car for many of us--the Lamborghini Aventador. Here's Mark Vaughn.

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Thanks, Mark.

It's a day early but here's a birthday wish to Team Penske IndyCar driver Ryan Briscoe. He rolls over 30 on the odometer on Saturday.

Have a wild weekend, and keep up with all the racing action at autoweek.com.